Charlie Webster: Let’s hope Lecsinel’s displays can match his desire

Two new recruits, a defender and a striker, and Darius Henderson has gone.

Two new recruits, a defender and a striker, and Darius Henderson has gone.

Henderson was the one player I wanted to stay, as well. Oh well, that will save us some money but there are a few other players who need either to get out of town, find some miraculous form and passion or take a pay cut.

A certain one I mentioned previously, so I will keep his name out or he’s going to start getting a complex, which I doubt will help him step into gear. He’s Welsh, by the way.

Okay, so you know who I’m talking about. Maybe Ched Evans has just not realised his potential yet. Maybe Sheffield United isn’t the right team for him to thrive in.

So what do we know of the Blades new addition, Lecsinel Jean-Francois, apart from the fact that he played for Swindon Town under Danny Wilson?

He’s dedicated enough - while he was playing for Swindon his sister went missing in the earthquake in Haiti during the season and he kept on playing and improving despite being disappointing in the 2008-09 campaign.

The athletic defender seems refreshingly dedicated, motivated by his passion and belief rather than money and wants to give his all.

Let’s hope his all is good enough. Jean-Francois launched his career with Paris Saint Germain but, worryingly, has been inconsistent in his performances since.

Now Danny Philliskirk, I think, will be a little coup. He was previously labelled the wonderkid when signing for Chelsea in 2007 and only made three appearances for Sheffield United while on loan. I think that given a bit of time and the chance to play some football, he could be a great asset for us.

It is also a fantastic opportunity for him to play regular first-team football and get back on the right track on which he seemed to be heading as a teenager.

Another striker wouldn’t go amiss, though. Actually one is very much needed if we are going to bounce straight back out of the third tier.

The James Beattie rumours did make me laugh.

Kevin McCabe has squashed any gathering Beattie chat but where did the rumour come from? I think there is always a part truth in rumour. He scored 34 league goals for the club in 57 starts and five appearances as a sub.

I’d be a very happy Blade if Beattie came back, there is a bit of a contradiction in monetary terms, because how exactly could we afford him?

Football is a funny old industry. Liverpool was said to be his destination in last year’s January transfer window. Would he come to the third tier? I don’t think so, even if it is for such a great club as ours.

Youth and long-term investment is still the way forward for Sheffield United, I think. Pre-season friendlies kick off this weekend. The new season moves ever closer and with it our entry into League One.